В августе на радио отметят выдающийся вклад дирижёра Дини Леонарда в ирландскую народную музыку

THE remarkable musical journey of one of Fermanagh’s best-known traditional musicians is set to be celebrated in a special radio broadcast in August. Acclaimed fiddle player, dancer and teacher Dinie Leonard recently sat down for an interview for a special edition of The Wind That Blows, which will air on Shannonside FM and Northern Sound FM. The programme will shine a spotlight on Dinie’s decades-long contribution to Irish traditional music, following a lifetime dedicated to performing, teaching and nurturing generations of young musicians. A hugely respected figure within Comhaltas circles across Ireland, Dinie has played a major role in promoting traditional music in Fermanagh and beyond. Through his teaching of instruments including fiddle, flute, accordion, banjo and tin whistle, he has inspired countless musicians over the years. The special broadcast will also feature memories of some of the musicians who shared in Dinie’s early musical journey, including accordion player Michael Curran and banjo player Patrick Treacy. The radio feature follows a special celebration held in Dinie’s honour at the Ulster Fleadh, where leading traditional musicians gathered to recognise his outstanding contribution to Irish music. The ‘Ómós Dinie Leonard – Celebration Concert’ saw former students and musicians unite for a night of music, celebrating a career that has left an enduring mark on the traditional music community. Coa All-Ireland Fleadh winner John McCann previously paid tribute to Dinny, describing the event as ‘testament’ to his influence and saying it was a privilege to perform in recognition of his “wonderful career”. With ‘The Wind That Blows’ special, listeners will have another opportunity to hear the story of a Fermanagh musician whose passion, talent and dedication have helped shape generations of traditional musicians.